This is really a set of DVDs that someone might get that wants to learn some magic to entertain their friends and family. There is some good material on here but it is kind of on the order of dinner table magic and self working card tricks. Andersen does a really good job of teaching the tricks and keeping it simple to understand. The one trick I do is a coin matrix that he calls Winged Silver. Not the same as you'll find in Bobo's MCM. It is an good matrix that is fairly easy to master and very magical. You'd be better off buying a copy of Mark Wilson's Complete Course In Magic - which Larry Andersen contributed to. This might be a good value if the price is right (say $40 for the set).

This DVD set offers a nice all around look into a range of different magical illusions and tricks. The pros: The presentation is given along with the method as individual videos. You can watch straight through or select individual tricks to go back to later. Larry does a great job explaining each trick, illusion, gag, etc. and everything is very easy to follow. Cons: The cd is clearly a simple rip off of an old vhs tape. This is rather disappointing considering that it could have been remastered just a bit more to offer higher quality. It's not that it is horrible to watch with lines, waves, etc. appearing very often...but it is very clear it was a quick dub from vhs. Also, many of the illusions are well known or common tricks that can be found in most magic books...although you know exactly what they are thankfully as they are outlined on each cd.

If you are looking to see presentation techniques, a range of different types of illusions, and also some good side information that can be applied towards other tricks and illusions (these can come in handy when watching some techniques and principles applied...which can also be used in other ways or other items). These are much better than the "staged" audience type dvds and "ooo-ahh" type dvds which seem all to common today. Many newer dvds put more time and production into laughs, gasps, etc. than actual number of tricks, presentation and method...this is one set you will not have to worry about that. Even having a large knowledge and enjoyment of various tricks...I still pulled a few new ideas and tricks from these dvds. Enjoy!

This isn't for me but I can see how an amateur magician would get a lot from these DVDs. However I think there are better options for newcomers to magic (Penguin's own DVDs for example)

These DVDs are definitely on the silly side, with some very 70's TV show modeling, but don't be fooled, there are still some really nice tricks !
I think these make for great gifts for budding magicians. The explanations are quite simple, the angles are good, and the language is all very basic and straight forward. I'd recommend it to someone who hasn't much experience with magic.

This is one of the best purchases i have made. I love this set (didn't buy it from here, got it from the mall). Almost ALL the tricks are COMPLETELY IMPROMTU, and almost all the tricks you end COMPLETELY CLEAN! Almost all the tricks require VERY LITTLE PRACTICE, and almost all the tricks are done with objects sitting around the house/restaurant/ect! They have tricks with toothpics, forks and spooks, napkins, cups, rubberbands, business cards, rolls of break (idea for restaurants!)

bottom line: GET THIS DVD! I know it's not the most popular thing out their, however that doesn't mean it sucks! (cause it rocks big time!!!!!)

ps-try to get the 5th DVD as well. It focuses on tricks with the folding coin!

this set is great but you can get it on penguinmagic for twenty bucks. no kidding so buy it there.

There are a ton of tricks in this set of DVD's. I bought it when they were VHS and still watch them to get more ideas or to add to existing routines. If you are a beginner this is a good place to start and you will learn a pile of tricks for a reasonable price. Something for everyone in this set of DVD's. You will not be disappointed so add to cart.

Hi! This is your official PenguinMagic reviewer, B_Magic.

I got these a number of years ago in VHS format, and though good this is really beginner material contained here. In fact, the original selling point behind these DVDs is to be a source of material for the non-magician (i.e., businessmen, marketers, agents, party-makers, toastmasters, etc), to help them liven up the situations they often find themselves in or be able to entertain people off the cuff. Originally, this set was meant to help people build confidence and become more sociable. Therefore, this really is meant for beginners.

That said, I was surprised to find a number of useful and effective magic tricks and ideas contained in these DVDs. Believe it or not, there are some rare gems found here that are very useful and entertaining.

For what the DVD's were originally made for, the series hits the nail on the head. For someone with previous magic knowledge or looking for substantial effects by magicians for magicians, this may not be for you.

B_Magic

I bought these after seeing the late-night infomercial many years ago. There is some really great stuff on these videos. To be honest with you, JawDroppers is really what brought me back to the world of magic, and for that alone I owe them 5 stars! Most, if not all, of the stuff on here is able to be performed by beginner and intermediate magicians, yet many of the results make you look like a pro. I guess I'm a little biased, but I'd have to say, "Buy these!! You won't regret it!"

a lot of very easy material. u use practical household materials for all of the tricks.